IMPACT STORIES featuring: SMSU Athletes

Featuring Athletes of:

Southwest Minnesota State University

January 2024

Luke P.,

Senior - SMSU WRESTLING

Luke, tell us about what the FCA group gatherings look like at SMSU...

Every month our large group gathering has great guest speakers who are easy to connect with and glean insight from to better live out our own walk with Jesus. My sport of wrestling has a small group gathering that meets weekly to share a meal, dive into the Word, and allow for vulnerability in our faith walks. I’m so grateful for our leaders who choose to give of their time for us!

❤️ IMPACT:

FCA has brought me into a family, a group of brothers and sisters who want to chase after God’s Kingdom and support others in their faith walk. It is hard to come to college and find people with a Kingdom mindset. God has given me friends through FCA who walk alongside me, hold me accountable, and share the same goals.

Emily R.,

Senior - SMSU SWIMMING

Emily, what has been the biggest turning point in your faith journey since participating in FCA? 

The biggest turning point in my faith since participating in FCA was in April of 2021 when I chose to make Jesus the Lord and Savior of my life.

Growing up I knew who God and Jesus were, but they were never a huge part of my everyday life. After attending the weekly small group meetings with my team and beginning to attend church again, it was an obvious choice that I wanted Jesus to be the reason for my life. 

❤️ IMPACT:

I want others to know that at the heart of the FCA organization, we are one big family of people who love the Lord and trust him with our lives. By attending FCA gatherings you will gain family members who will stand next to you, listen to you, and walk with you through all of life’s challenges.

Nathan S.,

Grad Student - SMSU FOOTBALL

Nathan, how have the people and purpose of FCA encouraged you in discipleship and living for Jesus? 

The people in FCA are amazing! I have made so many great friends and mentors. FCA leaders and volunteers encourage me to be a more intentional Christian by providing opportunities to go out and share the Gospel. I took on a leadership role during FCA summer camp and was able to help lead several athletes in their walk with Jesus!

❤️ IMPACT:

If you are an athlete, I would encourage you to join FCA, and if you're not an athlete I would encourage you to find a faith group that will push you to grow in your faith. You are sure to gain lifelong friendships.

At the end of the day sports do not make up the whole of our lives.

God is forever and His Word is true.

I encourage you to take that step.

Saari Kuehl.,

Junior - SMSU VOLLEYBALL

Saari, tell us what you like about FCA at SMSU...

FCA at SMSU meets once a month as a large group and most sports teams have a smaller group that meets a couple times per month. I look forward to each of these gatherings. They bring us together in fellowship to learn more about the Word of God and give us a devoted time to worship Him. I enjoy the time together with friends and our leaders learning about God and being reminded that all we do is for Him.

❤️ IMPACT:

FCA gatherings are a wonderful way to learn about and worship Jesus. We are fed a home cooked meal and always have a speaker to deliver a message to us. We get to hear people’s testimonies about how Jesus has worked in their lives and learn all about what He has done for us! Everyone is welcome and it is always an enjoyable time in fellowship and hearing about the Lord.

The Lord is moving in Southwest MN! Praise Him!

We hope these IMPACT STORIES give you a glimpse of the fruit that comes from engaging, equipping, and empowering others in Jesus' name.

You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

Matthew 5:14-16

ROBIN KNUDSON rknudson@fca.org

SW MN Area Director

WENDY GRAVEN wgraven@fca.org

SW MN Administrative Assistant